Syria denies plans to use chemical weapons

Source: Reuters

(Reuters) - Syria said on Monday it would not use chemical weapons against its own people after the United States warned it would take action against any such escalation.

The statements came amid media reports, citing European and U.S. officials, that Syria's chemical weapons had been moved and could be prepared for use in response to dramatic gains by rebels fighting to topple President Bashar al-Assad.

"Syria has stressed repeatedly that it will not use these types of weapons, if they were available, under any circumstances against its people," the foreign ministry said.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had earlier warned that Washington would take action if Syria used the weapons.